Senior Tree Planting Specialist (Botanic Specialist II - Forestry)

About the role

The Position Job Appointment: Full-Time Work Schedule: Mon-Fri. 7:00 am – 3:30 pm Work Location: In person at PP&R Urban Forestry, 10910 N. Denver Ave., Portland, OR 97217. There is opportunity for limited remote telework. These positions are predominantly in person. Remote work must be performed within Oregon or Washington.

Responsibilities

• Lead tree planting and establishment programs that expand tree canopy in underserved communities by planning projects, managing contractors, ensuring quality, and delivering successful outcomes.
• Evaluate planting sites, inspect nursery stock, monitor tree health, and conduct field inspections to ensure high-quality planting and establishment outcomes.
• Mentor and train colleagues in tree surveying, tree planting, contractor inspections, and structural pruning to set young trees up for long-term success.
• Coach colleagues and contractors by providing technical guidance, monitoring work quality, and fostering continuous improvement.
• Build strong partnerships with property owners, contractors, community organizations, and volunteers to support successful projects.
• Establish and uphold high standards for planting, establishment, and pruning while empowering contractors, colleagues, and volunteers to achieve those standards.
• Collect, analyze, and communicate program data using Excel, ArcGIS, and TreePlotter to track progress, inform decisions, and measure outcomes.
• Create maps, reports, standard operating procedures, and contractor performance documentation to support project management and continuous improvement.
• Engage with the public by responding to questions and concerns over the phone, email, and in-person.

Requirements

• Experience leading urban forestry projects, such as site evaluation, tree procurement, tree planting, young tree pruning, and/or tree establishment.
• Experience planting and structurally pruning young trees in an urban forestry or arboriculture setting following arboricultural best management practices.
• Experience working effectively with underserved or marginalized communities and communicating effectively across cultures.
• Experience managing projects involving multiple partners and stakeholders, including community organizations, contractors, and property owners, to achieve program goals and meet deadlines.
• A valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• The ability to perform both office and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• The ability to sit, stand, and walk over uneven terrain.
• The ability to stoop or bend.
• The ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Qualifications

• Applicants Must Also Possess A valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• The ability to perform both office and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• The ability to sit, stand, and walk over uneven terrain.
• The ability to stoop or bend.
• The ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Skills

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organization skills.
• Flexibility, initiative to solve challenges, and willingness to welcome feedback.
• Motivation to promote environmental justice and collaborate with diverse communities.
• Proficiency in urban forestry practices.
• Eagerness to share knowledge and continue learning.

Benefits

Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position.

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.

Benefits

Commensurate with experience.

Language Pay Premium Eligible

This position is or may be eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees.

Union Representation

PROTEC17. To view this labor agreement, please click here.

Recruitment Process

• How to Apply: Submit your resume and responses to supplemental questions by the closing date.
• If this is your first time applying with the City of Portland, or if you haven’t requested veteran preference before (and would like to now), please attach your DD214-Member 4 and/or VA Benefit Letter to your application.
• Once we verify your eligibility, we’ll record your veteran preference in our system, so it automatically applies to your future applications.
• Click here for application tips for resume, supplemental question response, and/or cover letter.